EDUCATION 

University of California, Los Angeles - Bachelor of Arts in Film, Television, & Digital Media 2013
  • Concentration in Cinematography & Production • Post Undergraduate Work in Documentary 2014
Berkeley City College - Associates of Arts in Arts, Liberal Arts, and Humanities 2011

Studied Art and Techniques of Cinematography under:
      • Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC • Bruno Delbonnel, ASC, AFC • Dante Spinotti ASC, AIC • Johnny Simmons, ASC 
      • Guillermo Navarro, ASC, AMC  • John Bailey, ASC • Haskell Wexler, ASC  • William McDonald, UCLA  • Dean Cundey, ASC

PRODUCTION SUMMARY
(SELECTED)

Freelance Director of Photography: 155 projects (2008-preset, 12 years) 
  • Twelve years of experience working as a freelance cinematographer on 155 documentaries, narratives, and music videos. Leads camera and lighting crews making artistic and technical decisions related to the visuals of the story. Collaborates and communicates closely with the director and production teams to ensure that each project reflects the visual style, pace, and overall quality standards of the production. 

    Designs look-books, shot-lists, story boards, shooting schedules, camera and lighting budgets, and floor plans for productions. Can work independently or help build teams bringing together reliable and creative crews who get the job done, on time and on budget..​
  • ​View Credits

Freelance Documentarian & PSA’s: 110 projects (2008-preset, 11 years) 
  • Shot, Directed, and Edited award winning documentary projects.
  •  View Credits
Director of Photography - Dimensional Shift TV Pilot  - A Sharp Productions (April 2018 - December 2018, 9 months)
  • Worked as a cinematographer on Science Fiction Action TV Pilot Dimentional Shift directed by Amber Sharp.
  • Worked as chief of camera and lighting crews making artistic and technical decisions related to the visuals of the story. 
  • Put together the look-books, shot-list, shooting schedule, floor plans, story boards, lighting & camera gear packages...etc.
Director of Photography | ​ Documentarian - Samsung  (June 2017 - present, 1 year & 7 months)
  • Produced and Directed ten commercial documentaries and seven 360 VR films for Samsung products.
  • Coordinated interviews, made production budgets, lighting & camera gear packages, planned accommodations and travel for the team in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Seattle, Portland...etc.
  • Designed shot-lists, story boards, shooting schedules, and production schedule for standard film and 3D VR production.
  • Recruited professional teams for production and post-production.
  • Directed and operated the camera, shooting a dozen interviews, operated drone shots, created b-roll that reflected the story of the interviews and overall goals.​
  • Directed Virtual Reality storylines and shots. ​​
  • Worked on multiple projects with the Samsung 360 Virtual Reality Round Camera
  • Edited five 4-5 minute documentaries and Virtual Reality films. Also edited social media videos and stills. 
  • Worked with composer to create unique music for the projects.
  • Worked with graphic designers and colorist to create a unique style and look that reflected the Samsung brand.
  • Worked with sound mixer and designer to develop a certain feel to the project.
  • Collaborated with corporate teams for feedback and delivered quick turn arounds.
Chief of Documentary and Commercial Production in China & ​ U.S.A. -  InterLangua LLC  (2010 - present, 9 years) 
  • Filmed, Edited, Produced, and Directed 27 documentaries and commercials.
  • Traveled to China four times for 2 months each 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017 to film/edit. 
  • Filmed over 20 different companies in Sacramento 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 (hospitals, metal health, child welfare, education, marketing firms, architecture, organic food, arts center, hospitality, design, and agriculture. )
  • Taught storytelling to 1st graders in Shenzhen, China.
  • Mentored and trained high school students in film.
Director of Photography | ​ Documentarian - KLEIO LLC -  Interviews for the Elizabeth Taylor Trust. (2015 - 2016, 1 year)
  • Worked with Producer/Director: Stephanie Austin (Terminator 2, Sahara, Behind Enemy Lines)
  • Shot 25 interviews in Los Angeles, Arizona, New York, Virginia, and London, UK. 
  • Lead and recruited camera and lighting team for a 3 and 5 camera set-up. 
  • Edited 25 feature length interviews.
Executive Producer | Director - “California’s Forgotten Children” Feature Film  (2013 – present, 6 years)
  • Managed crews of 40+ on set
  • Managed permits, insurance, rentals
  • Managed casting, rehearsals, and actors
  • Organized & shot interviews with over 20 non-profits
  • Collaborated with editors, composer, an orchestra, animators, graphic artists
  • Fundraised & marketed a successful campaign on Kickstarter
  • Managed a fiscal sponsorship & grant writing​
  • Led a team of six interns
  • ​Possess strong decision making skills
  • Strong verbal & written communication skills
  • Strong creative & project management skills​
  • Managed creative teams and quick at solving problems
  • Effectively and efficiently manage a significant budget
  • Manages marketing on social media & newsletter 
  • Manages licenses and sales
  • Managed over 70 screening around the world.
  • Worked on designing screening guidebook and education guidebook for film.
 Director | Producer | Cinematographer​ - "ruth weiss, the beat goddess" Feature Film  (2016 - present, 3 years)
  • Filmed dozens of interviews from one to two camera set-ups.
  • Filmed b-roll in nature, cities, interior, art exhibits, fashion shows, and b-roll that reflected the story.
  • Filmed dancers in the Mojave desert, city, redwood forest, oceanside.
  • Operated the drone filming dancers across multiple plains, and scenic locations.
  • Filmed a three camera live performance. 
  • Managed permits, insurance, rentals.
  • Managed casting, rehearsals, and dancers​.
  • Archived hundreds of photographs, books, and paintings, some that are older than 100 years.
  • Wrote transcriptions and managed transcribers.
  • Wrote scripts from transcriptions.
  • Collaborated with an editor to edit the documentary and create a well-structured storyline.
  • Developed scripts, shot-lists, and storyboards for animation.
  • Collaborated with an animator to create a unique style of animation, developing shots, and lighting for the animation.
  • Collaborated with a composer to make a unique style of music for the film, different jazz music for different scenes in the timeline.
Freelance Assistant Camera: 48 projects (2011-2018, 7 years) 
  • Worked for a variety of television networks, narrative films, features, music videos for companies such as CBS Studios, ESPN Sports, NBC Television, HP Vision
  • Knowledgeable in camera menus and operation of all mainstream cinema camera technologies and 16mm & 35mm film. 
  • ​ View Credits
Director of Photography - Tsui Design & Research Inc. & Free Run Pictures  (2015 - 2017, 2 years)
  • Worked as a cinematographer on a feature documentary about an inspiring architect and world champion boxer Eugene Tssui, creating Ecological buildings to change the world.
  • Developed shot lists, shooting schedules in foreign countries and across the United States. 
  • Worked with equipment vendors in China and the U.S. - also provided own equipment.​​
  • Filmed 37 interviews, shot B-roll in 60 different locations in all sorts of landscapes, environments, drastic weather conditions, and terrains.
  • Worked fast and efficient setting up beautiful portraits for two camera interviews, lighting, and sound.
  • Created visually dynamic, poetic, and unique B-roll shots for the story.
  • Captured multiple camera angles to edit a scene depending on the action. (wides, mediums, OS, close-ups, slider shots, static, handheld, and inserts.)​
  • Filmed across China and U.S.A.
Behind the Scenes Director of Photography - Sony Pictures Entertainment - (February 2017 - July 2017, 6 months)
  • Worked as a cinematographer for Behind The Scenes, Table Reads, and Social Marketing for Television Show Dr. Ken, and other Sony Pictures produced shows.
  • Captured memorable moments on set to be used for social marketing and promotion.
  • Was a "fly on the wall", respectfully kept distance to not disrupt the set, and was always ready to capture a special moment.
  • Operated multiple cameras and sound to record table reads.
  • Edited over 30 short videos for social marketing content selecting funny bloopers and heartwarming moments on set.
  • ​Took direction and feedback well, and delivered fast turnarounds (within same day to following).
Director of Photography | ​Editor - Bigger Bolder Baking - Series  (Oct 2016 - March 2017, 6 months)
  • Filmed and edited over 23 episodes. 
  • Films and delivers weekly Youtube and Facebook videos for the Bigger Bolder Baking show that goes out to a community of over 1,000,000 subscriptions. 
  • Collaborates and communicates closely with the channel creators to ensure that each video reflects the visual style, pace, and overall quality standards of the channel. 
  • ​ View Projects
Director of Photography - "On Common Ground" Series - 2017
  • Worked as cinematographer on 9 short documentaries in National Parks.
  • Put together shot-lists, shooting schedule, camera and lighting budgets.
  • Developed a unique style that represented each story subject.
  • Created B-Roll that reflected the interviewees that were all extreme outdoor adventures.
  • Operated drone shots, camera on-sticks, shoulder rig, fluid steady-cam, and time-lapses...etc.
  • Worked in drastic weather conditions, extreme heat, hail storms, and hiked to hard to reach locations...etc. 
  • View Series
Director of Photography / Photographer - #WhereIsBeatuty - Narrative Film - March to September 2016 & February to March 2017, 7 months)
  • Managed shot-lists, camera and lighting set-ups, visual references development, managing camera and lighting technical aspects.
  • Shooting schedule, camera and lighting team building.
  • 35mm photography exhibit for promotional marketing of the film.
  • Film Premiered at the Cannes Pan African Film Festival and screened at the Academy.
  • View Film
Director of Photography / Editor  - Crowning Change - Documentary (February 2017 to November 2017, 10 months)
  • Worked as chief of camera and lighting making artistic and technical decisions related to the visuals of the story. ​
  • Put together the look-books, shot-list, shooting schedule.
  • Edited the documentary.
  • Won Best Short Documentary at the Los Angeles Film Awards and played at the Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival, Los Vegas Film Festival, Canadian Independent Film Festival, ​Student World Awards, The Human Rights Campaign Time to Thrive, Toronto's LGBT Film Festival, and Dublin International Film Festival
  • ​View Trailer
Director of Photography | ​ Documentarian - FACT Magazine  (December 2014)
  • Shot an episode for FACT TV a British music and youth culture magazine/online TV Channel in the US and UK.
  • Shot a two camera interview, and created unique stylized b-roll that reflected the story that was being told.
  • Created shooting schedule, transcribed interview, and created a script.
  • Edited the film to flow with the story and the visuals. 
  • The film has over 67,000 views on youtube and over 200,000 subcribers.
  • View Film
Director of Photography - The Pachamama Alliance   (October 2014) ​
  • Worked on 3 documentaries about the defenders of the Amazon rainforest and nature.
  • Developed shot lists, floor plans, and shooting schedule.
  • ​Managed the camera and lighting developing beautiful compositions for interviews, and slick slider moves for b-roll.
  • View Film

OFFICE

Commercial Development & Talent Intern -  Anonymous Content  (2013, 6 months)
  • Assisted with commercial development and production
  • Wrote feature and TV script coverage, character breakdowns, covered desks, answered phones, and updated call sheets.
  • Researched visuals for proposals, proof-read, helped with design and format.
  • Edited talent acting reels. Researched and selected scenes from various projects. Creating multiple reels depending on the job. (Anna Belknap, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Michael Weatherly, and Tyne Daly)
  • Edited small projects for the post-production team.
  • Assisted talent department with daily tasks, helped put together resumes for clients, organized spreadsheets, and researched new jobs for clients...etc.​
Office Assistant | Media Manager | Intern - Partos Company   (2016, 4 months)
  • Helped find jobs for Cinematographers, Line Producers, Production Designers, and Editors on mainstream films.
  • Researched new upcoming film productions, pitches, and helped to find crew to fill in positions.
  • Assisted in development and management of a media workflow system.
  • Worked on updating client resumes, designing demo reels, and marketing strategies for filmmakers.
  • Script coverage, and calling/answering phones.
Camera Gear Maintenance & Checkout - UCLA Film Production Technology Office   (2012-2013, 1 year)
  • ​Assisted in maintenance quality control, and equipment check out procedures.​​

POST-PRODUCTION
(SELECTED)

Freelance Editor: 114 projects + (2008-preset, 10 years) 
  • Edited 4 feature documentaries, 60+ documentary series episodes, 10 short narrative films, 37 short documentaries, and 3 music videos. A lot of the documentaries I have shot I also edit depending on the client & project. 
  •  ​View Credits
 Main Editor on Feature Film “What Happened Here” - Citizen Cinema (2009-2011, 3 years) ​
  • Main editor for the feature documentary called WHAT HAPPENED HERE, directed by Rob Nilsson, production-co. Citizen Cinema. 
  • Edited the feature documentary from scratch.
  • All the interviews were in Ukrainian and Russian, Melody does not speak those languages neither did the director, however she was able to edit the film by listening to the translation and reading the transcript.
  • ​This was Melody's first feature, she edited in high school.
  • Awards: Moscow International Film Festival, Tel Aviv Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival
  • View Trailer
Main Editor on "California's Forgotten Children" and "ruth weiss the beat goddess" feature documentaries (2014 - 2017, 3 years)
  • Transcribed, transcoded, organized interviews, and b-roll.
  • Selected sections from 30 interviews and pieced it together to tell one cohesive story.
  • Managed animation, color correction, music, and sound design.
  • Researched, collected, and logged archival footage.
  • Created deliverables for multiple platforms such as online, DVD, BlueRay, and DCP.
  • Spent 3 years editing "California's Forgotten Children" Feature Documentary
  • Spent 2 years editing "ruth weiss, the beat goddess" Feature Documentary
  • Edited social media promotional videos such as sneak peeks and behind the scenes.
​

PHOTOGRAPHY
(SELECTED)

Assistant for Professional Development Seminars & Workshops - Canon Inc.  ( June 2016 - June 2017, 1 year)
  • Set-up production workshops, trainings, and lectures with photographers & cinematographers.
  • Assisted with setting up and breaking down cinema and photography cameras, and lighting.
  • Greeted and checked in dozens of filmmakers and photographers RSVPs.
  • Assisted talent and guests with transportation directions and health needs.
Technical Production Support in Productions & Photography - Global Cinematography Institute (2013-2016, 3 years​)
  • Assisted with technical support for conducting camera evaluations during classes.
  • Shot multiple promotional photography and documentaries with famous cinematographers.
Picture
working with Dean Cundey and Team
Picture
working with Haskell Wexler
Picture
working with Haskell Wexler and Team
Photography Archivist - Elizabeth Taylor Trust (January 2016 - April 2016, 4 months)
  • Photographed hundreds of archival prints. 
  • Scanned, organized, and labeled thousands of digital and negative film prints.
Photo Journalist - UNICEF  (2013-2014, 1 year and 3 months)
  • ​Photographed several events in Los Angeles. 
  • Pictures were featured on the UNICEF website and promotional materials.
Picture
working with UNICEF Team
Animal Management & Education Intern - Oakland Zoo (Jan - June 2011, 6 months) 
  • Observed and photographed 42 different animal species behavior such as: mammals, primates, birds, reptiles, & amphibians.
  • Made an educational documentary about African Pygmy Hedgehogs featured on the zoo website.
  • Animal managing, caring, feeding, cleaning, training, and providing enrichment for the animals at the zoo.
  • Completed an animal management course for certification
Photographer/Photo Journalist - The California Council for Humanities (2008, 3 months) 
  • Participant of the "How I See It: My Place" Photography Youth Fellowship for the CA Council for the Humanities.
  • Showcased at the Chabot College Arts Museum Photography Exhibit, the Behind the Scenes in San Leandro Photography Exhibit in association with the San Leandro Library, and the CA Council for the Humanities Online Exhibit.
  • Photograph ”The Hand That Changed It All” won 1st Place at the San Leandro Creek Watershed Photography Contest.

SKILLS 
Camera & Workflow Proficiencies:
• Current Camera Systems: ARRI, RED, Sony, Panavision, Phantom, Panasonic, Canon, Nikon, Blackmagic • 35mm and 16mm film loading • Lens Care and Maintenance • Knowledgeable in Camera Menus • Work Experience at Camera Rental Facility 
• Davinci Resolve • ShotPut Pro 

Editing Proficiencies: 
• AVID • Final Cut Pro X, 7 • After Effects • Adobe Premiere Pro • Photoshop • Microsoft Office 
• Flash • DVD Studio Pro • Compressor 

Administration and Communication: 
• Language Skills: English, French, Turkish, Basic Spanish • Patient and quick • Problem Solver • Outgoing and motivating personality • Team player • Works safely and professionally on set 

Experience working and knows crew in: United States: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Forth Bragg, Oregon, Mount Shasta, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Arizona, Utah, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Turkey.

Awards (selected)
• Women in Film 13’ • Loreen Arbus Cinematography Award 13’ • Motion Picture Association of America Award 13’

For detailed CV Visit my Linked in Profile
 © Melody C. Miller, All Rights Reserved 2020